Cultural Psychology

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Course name: Cultural Psychology
Course code 3050
Total contact hours: 48
Professor: Delia Peña

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to the field of psychology that examines the influence of culture upon human behavior and cognitive processes. ?Culture? is defined as the shared norms, values, and behaviors of groups and of the individuals in those groups. We will focus on such topics as cultural factors in self-concept, gender roles, motivation, cognition, emotions, relationships, and social values. Our exploration will be based on psychological theories, research, student/teacher presentations, and field experiences

OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. explain how culture affects the individual in at least three psychological areas;
2. critically evaluate the research related to cultural effects on psychological processes;
3. apply psychological concepts to the process of acculturation;
4. integrate course-related ideas with personal behaviors, thoughts and feelings;
within the BPS model..

Methodology
The course methodology is Non Formal Education. Activities will vary from case studies, movies, to round tables, visits, and reading discussions using the Experiential Cycle (Kolb). Students will be given an intro on this methodology to be used for class presentations. Topic will be complemented by the teacher.

Presentation key points
Use assigned library books/readings/internet to research content
30/45 minutes length
10 slides per power point
One participatory activity
One/two page summary of presentation topic for the peers indicating bibliography according to APA

Presentations evaluation key points
Ability to put content in a concise and easy to understand fashion
Ability to keep group attentive
Ability to ask and answer questions
Ability to design a variety of activities

Summary key points
Definition
Origin
Symptoms
Classification
Treatment

Portfolio
Presentation summaries will be gathered in a portfolio. This will be the content for Mid and Final Test.

Audience
This course is structured for International Students attending the Study Abroad Program at Universidad Veritas. However, courses are not exclusive to foreigners so a few native students could enroll in this course.

Attendance
Students are allowed 3 nonconsecutive absences (justified or not).
Course will be failed otherwise.
Missing more than one day of class in a given month, will not allow course credits.
3 late arrivals (15 minutes later) equal an absence.
An absence to deliver homework, give a class presentation or do a test represents a 0

EVALUATION
Class Participation 30%
Attendance 5%
Oral presentation 15%
Presentation summary 10%
Mid written test 20%
Final written test 20%

BIBLIOGRAPHY / REFERENCES
Beck, Aron T, Emery, Gary, Greenberg, Ruth L. (1991) Anxiety Disorders And Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective United States: Basic Books
Bochne, Stephen. (2001) Psychology of Culture Shock United States: Scribner.
Bennett, M. (1991) American Cultural Patterns. Maine, USA: Intercultural Press, Inc.
Heine, S. J. (2012). Cultural psychology (2nd ed.). New York: Norton.
Sapolsky, Robert M. (2004) Why zebras do not get ulcers. United States: Henry Hold and Company.
Seelye, N.Teaching Culture. Lincolnwood Illinois: NTB.
Pedersen, P. (1996).Counseling Across Cultures. Oaks, London: Sag Pb.